Post by: UniversalJuan on September 28, 2006, 06:23:51 PM
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Post by: bustin98 on September 29, 2006, 10:46:16 AM
I'll report back here with impressions. I'm dying to play me some Wii.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 29, 2006, 11:14:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: bustin98
The Cleveland show is tomorrow night. Hopefully I'll be able to attend. Anyone else going?
I'll report back here with impressions. I'm dying to play me some Wii.
I may got to the one in Seattle, I do have tickets but I also have class during that time so I may end up selling them!
Post by: Ceric on September 29, 2006, 12:10:36 PM
Post by: stevey on September 29, 2006, 12:19:55 PM
Quote
- I got hit in the head while playing Tennis (it was next to boxing). Ouch.
- I got to box a female nintendo rep. She won.
- people would lay down their drinks while waiting in line. I acidentally knocked over a full beer of a huge guy, and I ran.
HAHAHAHA!
Quote
-The controllers were running on AA batteries. They died while I was playing Tony Hawk…
- 1 Wii actually fell off of it’s stand
- The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on.
Those really make me worry about the wii since it the 3rd impression I've read of a wii falling down and crashing a game. and why would the battires die after only a hour or two of game play??
Post by: Blue Plant on September 29, 2006, 12:35:11 PM
This is just assumpion, but doesn't the cord also provide power to this demo version of the controller so there's no need for batteries?
Post by: RickPowers on September 29, 2006, 01:00:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolutionQuote
Originally posted by: bustin98
The Cleveland show is tomorrow night. Hopefully I'll be able to attend. Anyone else going?
I'll report back here with impressions. I'm dying to play me some Wii.
I may got to the one in Seattle, I do have tickets but I also have class during that time so I may end up selling them!
Since when is there a show in Seattle? I thought it was only in Spokane?
Edit: I'll be damned ... they added a Seattle date. I might get my hands on the Wii after all.
Post by: Ceric on September 29, 2006, 01:28:56 PM
Post by: IceCold on September 29, 2006, 10:42:34 PM
Post by: bustin98 on September 30, 2006, 07:19:29 PM
I was underwelmed, frankly. Though the games I really want to play were not there. The sports package was there, Excite Truck was there, Wario Ware, and Metroid. Metroid's line was soooo long, and the Wii that it was being played on was defective or something. It was shut down for an hour or so.
First off, the games all look teriffic. Sharp and clean. Even the sports package, while lacking details, looked very nice and I have nothing to complain about. Anyone who does really needs to examine why they are playing games. At first I was disappointed by the lack of HD, and sent Nintendo a letter regarding it. I'm satisfied though.
Playing the games is like playing Mario64 for the first time. I kept pushing the control stick to the edge, unable to make Mario walk and keep in control at the same time. Excite Truck really takes a fine hand to steer with accuracy. And standing up in front of a crowd is not the place to learn. But it was still fun.
Boxing takes getting used to, also. It mimics your hands pretty well, but it takes timing. You can move faster than the animation, so you can't do lightning quick punches one after the other. And if you spend the whole time punching your character grows tired. If you hold both controllers up and push forward quickly, a slo-mo mode is activated, though I couldn't get a grip of it.
Wario Ware was the most interesting and the most finely tuned. Even the driving mini-game was easier than Excite Truck (though the speed was not as great...). But it really was the pick up and play game that shows off the controller. Not much of a line for it (imagine that!).
I did not play tennis, bowling, baseball, or Metroid. The lines were not fun looking. Only Excite Truck had more than one kiosk.
So the showcases were not present. No Zelda, no Mario, no Red Steel, no Rayman. I walked away feeling 'meh'.
Now I'm thinking that since I have a 360, maybe I could wait a year for the Wii. Wait for a black color to be released, wait for the console to drop $50. Maybe if I fell in love with Zelda or Red Steel or Rayman I wouldn't wait. It was a hands on experience, but really the people who got the most out of the show were the fans of the bands.
Oh, I did play some DS games. Final Fantasy III is a great game. The touch n go control scheme makes for an easy time. Mario vs DK2 is also a fantastic game. Additictive gameplay. Other games I didn't play: Mario Hoops, Star Wars Legos, Tony Hawk, and Mega Man Z (looks awesome).
Post by: SixthAngel on September 30, 2006, 07:50:25 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 30, 2006, 08:41:44 PM
Post by: bustin98 on September 30, 2006, 08:55:54 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 30, 2006, 09:04:09 PM
Post by: TrueNerd on September 30, 2006, 10:13:01 PM
Post by: bustin98 on October 01, 2006, 10:35:21 AM
Oh yeah, I was there representing with my Planetgamecube shirt. Maybe some visitors will come around because of it.
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 04, 2006, 09:01:31 AM
Post by: bustin98 on October 04, 2006, 09:50:55 AM
From reports out of the Gamestop managers meeting and the Fusion Tour, Metroid seems to be the most popular game at these things. Get to the show early and get in line fast for it.
Post by: Zach on October 04, 2006, 11:24:21 AM
Post by: bosshogx on October 08, 2006, 04:37:13 AM
The only request I would have is that someone PM me with some help uploading my videos. I'm using DV tapes and an hour of footage results in a file size of 12 GB. I'm looking for a way to trim and compress that up, so that everyone can enjoy the clips at a descent download size.
Later!
Post by: wandering on October 08, 2006, 05:42:44 AM
Post by: bosshogx on October 08, 2006, 06:44:43 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: wandering
The thing I'm still waiting for (and you probably don't have the means to do this) is for someone to put 2 camcorders back-to-back, one facing the screen, and one facing the person playing. And then make a video of a game with a small picture-in-picture of the person playing.
Sadly I only have the one camera, but I could always get some behind the back shots of the person playing. Alternate between focusing in on the hands and the screen. It might work....
Post by: Pittbboi on October 08, 2006, 06:48:50 AM
Overall Pros:
--I was very surprised by how little it was. The console itself was very compact, and while the color won't exactly blend in with the rest of my entertainment setup like black would have, nothing about the console was too obtrusive, either.
--I was also surprised by the graphics. I went in with low expectations since there's no official specs and it's known that the Wii is only a slight step above last generation, but everything looked good. I didn't play all of the games (just Wii Tennis, Boxing, and Excite Truck), but from what I saw they all looked good and were running smooth. Excite Truck was especially nice to look at. Granted, I've seen better on the 360, but the divide between Wii's graphics and the 360/PS3 does not seem to be as big as some were fearing. I don't think we'll see any huge differences for at least two years, when developers finally tap into the 360 and PS3's full potential. But even then I think the Wii will hold it's own.
--The games were fluid and looked good. Tennis and Boxing were quick games to get into a fun to play. Perfect for the setup. I wanted a little more time with Excite Truck, simply because it is an actual "game" game and had a bit more substance to it. But whatever. I'm not really interested in that game anyway.
--The controllers were tethered to the kiosks, and it really didn't hinder the experience. With this in mind it kinda makes you wonder why there won't be very many kiosks around at launch.
--the sensor bar for the controller is not bulky at all and looks like it could easily fit just about anywhere you have space for it.
Overall Cons:
--All of the games seemed too simple. Granted, I don't consider myself a hardcore gamer (it's been a while since I've played any) and the games WERE fun, but the WiiSports games I played all lacked any real substance to hold my interest. They were a little TOO pick up and play. I'm not a fan of the design style of WiiSports, it looks pretty at first but then the lack of any details other than the fact that my opponent was a different color becomes apparent after a while. I'd have needed more time with them to come up with a more accurate opinion, but everything was a little too bland and simple. There didn't seem to be any stats or anything to fool around with. Excite Truck is obviously an exception but even that game was a little too easy to get into. I know it was just a trial experience to feel what the Wii is all about, but I have the feeling that I would have the same complaint if I were playing it at home. WiiSports is fun from what I played, but it definitely isn't a stand alone game, and I don't think Nintendo should feel like it's doing us any favors by including it with the system. I just think they realize it wouldn't sell that well if they didn't. Heck, when my turn was over I wasn't really all that bummed like I'd usually be over other games for other systems in the past, that's how much of an impression it didn't leave on me. And it wasn't even long into the event before the kiosk for Bowling was empty because nobody really wanted to play it. Frankly, if this is the style Nintendo is going for to attract a new market, I'm not at all impressed.
--Experiencing the Wii with those CRAPPY bands in the background.
Overall, I'm happy with the Wii as a console, and I'll be picking one up come launch. It definitely could have showed a little better, but the potential was apparent. Now the Controller is a completely different entity, because I couldn't quite place it on either list. There are some good things about it, and some bad.
Controller Pros:
--Does bring a new experience to gaming. Not a defining one, but it is different. WiiSports would be a piss-poor excuse for a game if it weren't for the controller. And the control scheme for Excite Truck itself is enough to keep you busy. None of those games really made a strong case for the controller (WiiSports would be nothing without it, yes, but in my opinion that's just because WiiSports isn't much of a game), but in the right hands (and if the kinks I mention in the cons list get worked out), I definitely see the controller WOWIING people in the future.
--None of the games required much in the way of wild arm gestures, but the nunchuck attachment didn't get in the way at all, and I don't see that being much of a problem in the future.
Controller Cons:
--Despite what Nintendo says, there IS a learning curve. I was a little surprised by just how much. I was expecting there to be a little time needed for adjustment as it is a completely new way to play, and I did eventually get the mechanics of it (the lack of space definitely meant small wrist flick gestures were preffered over wild arm movements), but it took a little longer than even I was expecting, and the controller isn't really as responsive as people seem to think it is. I didn't get a hang of Wii Tennis until about two seconds before my game was over, and by 'get a hang of' I mean 'know what the hell I'm doing.' People expecting to just pick it up and have it feel like a new limb are going to be disappointed. If Nintendo thinks my grandparents and my younger and non-gaming sisters are just going to pick this controller up and have the time of their lives, I think they're going to be disappointed, too. This grand vision Nintendo has of gamers fighting with their grandparents for Wii time and little popular high school girls walking around with Wii controllers in designer gloves hanging from their purses is really farfetched. If I ever get these two groups (my grandparents and sisters) to even give the Wii a chance, after playing it myself I totally see them just going "what the hell?" and throwing the controller back at me. I had the patience to learn the controller because I'm a gamer: I like the challenge of games. I don't see the rest of my non-gamer family having the patience because, well, they're non-gamers and don't like the challenge of games.
--I don't know what the deal was, but everything I played seemed to have like a half-second lag. The controller was always one step behind me, and I found myself having to swing with the remote about a split second before I would have had to push a button if whatever game I was playing was on a standard controller. This was annoying. I'm hoping Nintendo works this out before launch, because this could potentially be a VERY major issue (because if Nintendo's games have this problem I KNOW third party games will have this problem x10). Again with the controller not lending itself to the just pick up and play experience.
--The controller isn't much to look at. Those glossy press shots are misleading, in real life the controller is just your standard white plastic, awkward looking remote.
--It's not very comfortable to hold. It's a little on the small side. At first I thought it was just me, as I am 6'5 and my hands reflect that, but my smaller friend (he's about 5'4) was the first to make the comment. The squared edges keep the controller from comfortably fitting in your hand. The button positioning also pretty much limits gamers (and game developers) to the d-pad at the top of the controller when holding it as a pointer, it would just be too damn awkward having to shift the entire controller to hit the x and y buttons. Hell, even access to the A button wasn't as fluid as I'm sure most would want it to be. The lack of accessible buttons means Nintendo is relying heavily on the motion sensing to pick up the slack, but if they don't iron those kinks out, I see this being another major problem.
Overall I have to say that I'm not too happy with the controller, which is sad because I had high hopes for it. There's plenty of potential there, but I also think that people are going to be a bit surprised by how not perfect it is. There's a lot about it that needs to be worked out, and a few things that I think Nintendo just got wrong and they better pray it doesn't prove to be a major screw-up. Will it change gaming as we know it for the better? Can't tell from the little bit I've played it. But as I said, if they iron those kinks out, I do think it'll bring something fun and different to gaming, if not change it completely.
Post by: Kairon on October 08, 2006, 08:14:01 AM
In contrast, simpler motion based controls like detecting how the controller moves up or detecting simple tilt can be much faster.
Since the Wiimote communicates with the console 2000 times a second, it isn't a technical problem, but a design one that your moves won't appear instantaneously on the screen.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Pittbboi on October 08, 2006, 11:14:42 AM
Still, I hope this can be fixed, because Nintendo wants this controller to be so intuitive that it replaces standard controllers, yet there were certain things that had me thinking, "Hmmm, so this would be a lot less annoying if it were just a button."
Post by: trip1eX on October 08, 2006, 11:56:34 AM
YOu sorta contradicted yourself abit tho. You said WiiSports was too pick up and play and then you said you barely figured it out just before your time was up on WiiTennis and you wonder how grandpas and sisters are going to do if you can't figure it out.
I wouldn't take Nintendo too literally when they say they are expanding their audience. I think too many take that to mean every game is suddenly made for grandmas.
The reality is that it's more subtle than that. What they will do is also make some games for those audiences and in turn hope those audiences latch onto some of their other games. I hate to say look at the DS, but hey look at the DS. OTher things they have done is to design the control in the shape of a remote and make the name and sytem more less intimidating. Non-gamers too might actually have a easier time than some gamers. They don't have to unlearn anything.
Post by: zakkiel on October 08, 2006, 06:55:45 PM
Post by: Svevan on October 08, 2006, 08:05:52 PM
Post by: Pittbboi on October 08, 2006, 08:49:34 PM
When I said the game was a little too pick up and play, I was referring to the game specifically. The game itself is way too simple for my liking. The only difficult part--at first--was learning the controller, as there IS a curve and it WON'T come naturally like Nintendo wants everyone to believe. Even on my second play, when I had figured out the controller and could play the game adequately, Wii Tennis was still too simple. Heck, the characters zero in on the ball automatically, all you could was hit the ball, and in the short amount of time I had to play the game that got boring. This is why I'm not a fan of WiiSports, they've removed everything that makes it even a tiny bit difficult. In tennis you don't have to worry about running and staying with the ball; in baseball all you do is hit or pitch and the game does the rest. Nintendo thinks this is an awesome feature, I and the guys who were there with me thought it was boring and a cheap excuse to get out of actually coding a "game" game.
Post by: Kairon on October 08, 2006, 08:57:15 PM
Oh, and I DO wonder why Wii Tennis doesn't use a one-to-one correlation... why check for the entire gesture? Is there also a lag for Wii Baseball, which as far as I know IS actually one-to-one and not gesture based?
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Pittbboi on October 09, 2006, 08:57:05 AM
Nintendo's making games that require very little in the way of buttons, so I don't imagine their games having a problem. However, for third parties, games that require a lot of buttons might not translate very well to the Wii. I mean, all the buttons are in some way accessible, but hitting some of them has proven to be just a bit uncomfortable. Some people believe that the wiimote's motion sensing abilities can make up for it but, after using the wiimote myself, I have to admit that I don't think it's responsive enough to adequately replace buttons.
Oh, and I did notice a slight lag in Wii Baseball, but it didn't seem to be as annoying as in Tennis.
Post by: Kairon on October 09, 2006, 12:01:03 PM
Wii Sports is straightforward isn't it? You say that you didn't get the hang of Wii Tennis until a little bit later, but what exactly prevented you from doing this? ... is the lag your only complaint? You could swing, you could slice, you could lob, but you couldn't ever time your swings right?
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Kairon on October 11, 2006, 11:47:56 AM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: trip1eX on October 11, 2006, 06:30:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Pittbboi
My fault, let me clarify.
When I said the game was a little too pick up and play, I was referring to the game specifically. The game itself is way too simple for my liking. The only difficult part--at first--was learning the controller, as there IS a curve and it WON'T come naturally like Nintendo wants everyone to believe. Even on my second play, when I had figured out the controller and could play the game adequately, Wii Tennis was still too simple. Heck, the characters zero in on the ball automatically, all you could was hit the ball, and in the short amount of time I had to play the game that got boring. This is why I'm not a fan of WiiSports, they've removed everything that makes it even a tiny bit difficult. In tennis you don't have to worry about running and staying with the ball; in baseball all you do is hit or pitch and the game does the rest. Nintendo thinks this is an awesome feature, I and the guys who were there with me thought it was boring and a cheap excuse to get out of actually coding a "game" game.
Still sounds like your contradicting yourself. You want to rip Nintnedo on both ends. Too hard for non-gamers and too easy for hardcore ones. I guess that makes it just right for the sweet spot of the market tho aka the casual gamers.
Post by: Pittbboi on October 11, 2006, 06:36:08 PM
Actual Games: Too Easy
Controller: Learning Curve
Once you learn the controller, you're left with the actual game...which is still too easy..
Post by: Shecky on October 12, 2006, 03:06:38 AM
Post by: Pittbboi on October 12, 2006, 05:26:59 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on October 12, 2006, 08:23:46 AM
Now try explaining Wii sports. There's a learning curve, but there's nothing else to explain past "swing the controller around". After that it's just practice.
The content of Wii sports does seem thin for a current hardcore gamer, though, I totally agree with that.
Post by: trip1eX on October 12, 2006, 08:39:44 AM
The intuitive and small learning curve of the wiimote in a game like WiiTennis comes from the fact that everyone instinctively knows how to swing a racket. They know the motions already. It's just a matter of timing.
The appeal of the wiimote shape to is that someone that doesn't play games or many games will find it less intimidating to pick up. And would relate to swinging it like a tennis racquet more than pressing a button.
It's not a magic pill tho.
Also the wii sports games are party games. I'm not sure what you expected them to be. The fun is playing other people. That's where the difficulty lies too.
I mean I guess you would find any tennis game too easy since there's not much more to a tennis game then swinging the racquet. About the only thing they could add is running.
Chess is a hardcore game. Yet you can understand the rules very quickly. IT's the playing the opponent part where the challenge (and difficulty) lie.
Post by: wandering on October 12, 2006, 09:24:48 AM
Quote
The other buttons can forget it.
Start/home/back, you mean? Or 1 and 2? 1 and 2 aren't really meant to be accessible.
Quote
This is why I'm not a fan of WiiSports, they've removed everything that makes it even a tiny bit difficult. In tennis you don't have to worry about running and staying with the ball; in baseball all you do is hit or pitch and the game does the rest. Nintendo thinks this is an awesome feature, I and the guys who were there with me thought it was boring and a cheap excuse to get out of actually coding a "game" game.
The game was made with people like Steven Spielberg in mind. The fact that it doesn't require you to manipulate an analog stick in one hand and the wiimote in the other while pressing various buttons isn't due to laziness.
Post by: couchmonkey on October 12, 2006, 09:25:49 AM
).That said, I now realize that this game is intended to impress people that don't currently play many games. For them, not controlling the little guy as he runs around the court might not seem like a huge issue, even though it reduces the depth of the gameplay from a gamer's perspective.
Post by: wandering on October 12, 2006, 09:27:21 AM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on October 12, 2006, 09:41:11 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on October 12, 2006, 09:50:17 AM
Post by: Kairon on October 12, 2006, 10:18:50 AM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Ian Sane on October 12, 2006, 10:19:39 AM
Post by: Kairon on October 12, 2006, 10:23:04 AM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 12, 2006, 04:30:29 PM
Post by: bosshogx on October 12, 2006, 05:12:56 PM
Post by: bosshogx on October 15, 2006, 10:40:50 AM
They had Wii Tennis, Wii Bowling, Wii Baseball, Wii Shooting, Excite Truck, Wario Ware, and for the first time on the tour, Zelda! w00t!!
So, Wario Ware was by far the easiest game to "get". Before each mini game, the way to hold the controller would pop up on the screen. The people that seemed to have the most trouble were the ones who didn't want to look stupid. Sigh....EVERYONE looks stupid playing video games. Get over it people.
For me, Tennis was the next easiest to pick up and play. Someone mentioned earlier about lag, and he was right. There is a delay, but not enough to ruin the experience. I play tennis from time to time and can say that the ball reactions are pretty spot on. Serving is just as easy as flip up on the controller (kinda like flipping a pancake) then giving the invisible ball an overhead smash. Real easy and quite satisfying.
Baseball was good. I actually enjoy not having to field and run the bases. The sense of immersion is better in this title than in the others I played. As I was waiting for my friend to pitch, I could wag the remote next to my head and my on screen persona would react the same way. Very cool. Pitching can be done overhead, sidearm, or underhanded, although I couldn't get side arm and underhand down pat. You use the A button to throw a curve, B to throw a splitter, and A+B to throw a screw ball. Using no buttons got you a fastball. The only complaint I have with this title had nothing to do with the game at all. The damned contollers were tethered to the kiosk and the cord wasn't long enough for our over zelous baseball style of playing.
Excite Truck is played with the remote held like an NES pad. The D pad was turbo, 2 button was gas, and the 1 button was brakes. A lot of people had trouble with it, but mostly because they were slinging the controller around like madmen. It's fast, very fast, with no signs of slowdown. If you land a jump perfectly with the terrain, just like you could in Excitebike, you get a turbo boost. Good stuff, oh and the Super Tree Run owns.
Bowling was badass. Hold B, place contoller in front of you, pull back, release B. Easy, except I kept releasing the button to late causing my guy to toss the ball in the air. I did see one guy nail a score of over 200. Obviously, the problem lies in my own inept bowling skills, not with the gameplay setup.
Wii shooting was basically duck hunt. Point, shoot, win. Not worthy of buying as a standalone game, but definately cool as part of a multi game pack. Lots of stuff to shoot, broken into 5 stages, with the last stage having your onscreen Miis being abducted by aliens!
Zelda looked beyond beautiful. Not slowdown, brilliant art direction, smooth animations. Again, spastic people made the bow/boomerang aiming look painful. Just relax and move the contoller smoothly and it works great. Ironically, the weirdest part was the sword slashing. I kept trying to hit the A button and ended up doing leap attacks all over the place. Camera work was fine, with the Z button on the nunchuck being the lock on/centering feature for the camera. I imagine a free range look around could be done with the bow/hookshot/boomerang. The iron boots were assigned to left on the d pad, boomerang on the right, and hookshot on down. The bow was assigned to B. When you equiped the hookshot or boomerang, they went to the B button and the bow went to there position. Messed me up a little, but I got used to it after a while. The boss was awesome. Typical Zelda fight, using a combination of items to defeat him.
Gotta go for now, but I'll discuss the DS stuff a little bit later. Long story short, all my fears are gone now and Nov.17th can't get here fast enough. Later.
Post by: 31 Flavas on October 15, 2006, 11:24:29 AM
edit: Any swag to score at the event? Buttons, stickers, t-shirts, etc?
Post by: Ceric on October 15, 2006, 11:34:15 AM
Post by: 31 Flavas on October 15, 2006, 11:56:36 AM
Last I heard, Z:TP was back to a left handed Link.
Post by: Zach on October 15, 2006, 02:10:00 PM
QuoteSorry to burst your bubble, but its Nov. 19th. After we've waited all this time, two days isnt making that much of a difference anyway.
Originally posted by: bosshogx
Gotta go for now, but I'll discuss the DS stuff a little bit later. Long story short, all my fears are gone now and Nov.17th can't get here fast enough. Later.
Post by: bosshogx on October 15, 2006, 06:13:59 PM
As for Link, in the demo I played he was right handed. I also forgot to mention that when using the nunchuck, flicking it left to right will do a 360 slash and pushing it forward while locked on does a shield bash. Kinda some neat combos going with a shield bash, slash, slash, 360, finisher! You also could play the fishing demo as well, although only a few people actually did. The controls were used to cast a lure with the remote, pull back on it to make it "skip", make circular motions with the nunchuck to reel back in. Once you caught a fish, you would have to reel in fast while at the same time pulling the fish back, left or right with the remote. Once it got close enough, A+B would flash on the screen to pull it onboard. One dude was sweating his tail off, getting REALLY into the fishing. Kinda scary acutally.
As for Nov. 17th, looks like I got my systems backwards. I'm picking up my PS3, or as me and my friends are calling it, the Profit Station 3. You know that sucker is going straight to ebay for massive damage to my credit card debt!!
As for the DS stuff, Yoshi's Island 2 was the same build that they had at PAX. Pretty solid all around and is spot on with the original Yoshi's Island for the SNES. FFIII, an the other hand, just seemed slow for some reason. They were kicking us all out by the time I got to play it, so maybe with more time I could have come up with a more solid review. Everything else DS-wise was already out. Elite Beat Agents, Star Fox, the card/recreational/board game (I forget the name), and Mario vs DK2.
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 20, 2006, 06:19:26 AM
Dallas, Texas
I arrived at the tour at 5:30pm the scheduled start of the event. lines had already formed and I immediately jumped into the Zelda line so that I could get a chance to play the game. My initial plan was not to wait in the long line of Metroid Prime Corruption, but since it was Zelda, I had to the game a try.
As I waited I looked around to examine the rest of the games available to play. The tour stop had 9 different Wiis set up; two for Excite Truck, two for Zelda, and single units for Wii Boxing, Bowling, Tennis, Wii Shoot Demo, and Wario Ware Smooth Moves. All the lines were moderate in length except for the Zelda demo...which was the E3 demo with the new sword control mechanics.
After an hour wait, I finally played Zelda. The graphics are stunning. To everyone that sees this game as simply an upgrade Gamecube game, you are completely wrong. The game is pure beautiful art. I was quite impressed with the animation, and the subtle details in the game. If you picked up a box you could throw it into the water and it would float in the water, moving with the current. Very nice.
The Wiimote and Analog Attachment are very odd when you first get ahold of them. The Wiimote is literally perfect. The weight of the controller, and button placement, everything worked. People complaining that the D-Pad is placed accordly haven't held the controller. I had no problems moving my thumb to select items in Zelda and sliding it back down to the A button. I guess if you had to do it as a regular action, it could be difficult...however, I have my doubts about that even, as the boss battle in Zelda required you to do some fast switching of weapons.
One thing that did feel odd about the controller is the Analog Attachment's weight. It is almost too light. It disappears in your hand, and you feel somewhat offbalance playing certain games. It would be like drumming with a Drumstick of normal weight, and a Drumstick the weight of a feather...it is doable, but if just feels off.
Zelda:
Getting back to Zelda. As my first Wii game to ever experience, I was amazed at how the controls simply melt into your hands and your conscienceness as you play. Once I learned how to do the moves, I didn't question what buttons I was pushing or how to do anything...it came natural. I did run into problems adjusting to targeting and learning how to move the camera around, and this was the biggest frustration I had...but this was an early build, and I did not know what all the buttons were. Eventually I found the recenter button for the camera and things felt better.
The biggest question with the game is how does the fighting feel, and honestly, the sword fighting doesn't really feel any more or less engaging than pressing a button. I mean pushing forward on the Wiimote, or side to side is basically pressing a button. The only difference may be that there is alittle more emotion in the action. You feel more of a neccessity to swing your attacks quickly as you are getting swarmed by enemies...I guess you actually feel threatened yourself in a way, instead of just Link. And that is what makes the game work. You feel like you are accomplishing each task, not just playing as Link. When you physically move your hand to target an enemy you feel the accomplishment is worth more. You did that...you didn't just push a button.
Overall, the Zelda demo wasn't worth an hour wait to experience, however, it is a game that completely sells the Wii console and is a must own title. If you are getting Zelda buy it for Wii not the Gamecube, you will be happier in the end.
Wii Boxing:
Next, I played Wii Boxing. In every way Zelda was brilliant, Wii Boxing failed in my opinion. The controller weights were an issue in this game, as punching didn't feel right at all. It was hard to aim your hits, and moving around and blocking didn't feel intuitive at all. I was victories over my opponent, but we both felt like we were truly in control of the game. And that was unfortunate. I hope my opinions change later when I play the game at home, but as it stands this was the least impressive game at the event.
Excite Truck:
Excite truck to me is an enigma. Here's the deal. The game is fun, but it completely lacks any polish in the demo. Racing the tracks this arcade racer as more depth than you would initially think. The game focuses on racing and stunts. Getting big air, and taking risks on the course award you star points...to progress and unlock levels you must achieve a certain score. This opens alot of depth in the game, and the powerups and level warping effects make the game even more of a winner. It was really quite enjoyable to watch a group of cars fly up into the air as you alter the ground and throw them...bonus that you get extra star points for the manuever. The issue I had was that the controls were so sensitive that you couldn't truly focus on the depth of the game design. If the control is tightened up you have an amazing launch racer that is completely worth the purchase price. If control is still too sensitive then the game will be unplayable, and I would only recommend it as a rental.
Wario Ware Smooth Moves:
Let me first announce that I didn't enjoy the first Wario Ware games. I want substance and objectives to my games...and Wario Ware didn't ever deliver. Yet, Smooth Moves instantly captivated me. The game relies on a simple design element: The games are so intuitive that you don't have to explain how to play them...in fact the entire game is figuring out exactly how to play the game. Before the game starts you are told how to hold the controller....from there you must use context clues to fullfill the challenge. The game is extremely fun, and would be an ultimate party game, with one single catch. You have to play the game honestly. The game could be played not performing the actions the way you were intended...but you lose the fun of the game. For example: Hola Hoop game. If you don't put the controller by your waist and actually hola hoop then there is not point to that game. However you can successfully beat the level by just shaking the Wiimote. If you and your friends will honestly play this game it will be fun and really enjoyable...if you won't then avoid this game because you won't have fun.
Wii Bowling:
Bowling is the second best game I played at the event. Again, the game requires you to act like you are truly bowling for the full experience...but that full experience is amazing. I doubted the stories of people saying it ACTUALLY feels like bowling...but it does. You simply lineup the shot, hold the B button, pull your hand back...step forward and throw the ball (remembering to release the B button.) The game truly rocks. Just like in real bowling you must be really careful how you throw your ball, any twist of the wrist will ruin your accuracy...and often times I was laughing and complaining that there was no way I moved my wrist, but in reality I had to of, and I just didn't notice.
Wii Tennis:
Wii Tennis was the best game I played at the show. This simple game was more engaging and fun than Excite Truck, Zelda, Wario Ware and the rest. This was the second to last game I played, and I was beginning to feel like a natural with the Wiimote, it really doesn't take much time to get comfortable with the concept of the control system. The game simply perfectly responded to your actions. Most of the hits were perfect representations of my actions, whether they were the results I wanted was another story. I played doubles against the Wii representative and noticed that game had much more depth than you realize. Returning the ball is a real art, as you can simply aim for the center court, but precise targetted aims into the corners were much more difficult and risker. Playing doubles added another interesting element...both players can swing for the ball...and you control both at the same time. So if you are able to get a good shot with your partner playing the net you can get a quick shot in and surprise your challenger. This made Lob shots more valuable to attempt to prevent that strategy, and required you to think about where you were targeting the ball more.
Overall, playing Wii Tennis and Bowling I must say Wii Sports is an incredible package. It is definately not just a budget title, but a truly next generation experience worth purchasing, but getting it free is a sweet deal.
I came away from the event with more confidence in Nintendo and the system than I ever imagined. Why the system works so well, is that you don't feel like you are playing a video game...but you feel like you are engaged in whatever experience is on the television. If it is Tennis you feel like you are playing tennis, bowling...bowling. And everything I accomplished in Zelda felt more rewarding and personal some how.
Bravo Nintendo, I can't wait to play more.
Post by: IceCold on October 20, 2006, 08:33:52 PM
Only a few weeks now.
Post by: Kairon on October 20, 2006, 09:09:33 PM
It sounds like the Wii is at its best when you're...well, simply focusing on playing the games.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 20, 2006, 10:37:07 PM
Post by: Blue Plant on October 20, 2006, 11:36:25 PM
(It's up on GoNintendo now, and youch, a couple of those people are seriously disturbing in their replies.)
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 20, 2006, 11:52:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Blue Plant
Nice impressions, indeed.
(It's up on GoNintendo now, and youch, a couple of those people are seriously disturbing in their replies.)
Some of the those people remind me of some of the idiots at Gamefaqs, they can't read anything longer than 20 words and when someone may have a slightly different opinion than them they take personal shots. Spak's imrpessions were far from negative except for the Wiiboxing (which I wouldn't really call negative, just concerned) yet those posts act like he was bashing Wii!
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 20, 2006, 11:55:44 PM
. What a bunch of punks, I don't even think they can read.
Post by: Blue Plant on October 21, 2006, 12:01:31 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolution
Some of the those people remind me of some of the idiots at Gamefaqs, they can't read anything longer than 20 words and when someone may have a slightly different opinion than them they take personal shots. Spak's imrpessions were far from negative except for the Wiiboxing (which I wouldn't really call negative, just concerned) yet those posts act like he was bashing Wii!
I agree (there's a bit of a lack of moderation over there, sadly). I wonder if they'd also bash grandmothers for enjoying Wii Golf more than Zelda... Though I'm excited for TP as any Zelda fan would be, I honestly can't wait to try Wii Tennis and Golf with my family first.
Edit: Ha! You tell them, VG! >:D
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 21, 2006, 05:29:32 AM
When I played the other person must have been constantly dodging (keeping the controls off to the side) because I couldn't aim a single punch to hit him. And I wasn't punching too fast or frantic or anything. I still beat him rather easily, but It just felt floaty and odd. While I was there in line other people were commenting that Wii Boxing was their favorite game. Someone even remarked it was the reason to buy a Wii. So boxing got some pretty positive reviews.
I personally am just not one of them.
Thanks for the support guys. I just wanted to be honest about my impressions and be completely fair. I could have gone off and just said everything was perfect as a Nintendo fanboy, but that wasn't true.
Post by: KnowsNothing on October 21, 2006, 08:27:46 AM
Post by: Ceric on October 21, 2006, 08:52:40 AM
Now for a follow-up question like from KnowsNothing. Do you think that for us hardcore people that considering actually finding a way to add weight to the Nunchuku, I think you mentioned it was light, to balance it out with the Wiipointer be something to consider?
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 21, 2006, 09:28:22 AM
I am not sure adding weight to the attachment would be a good idea or wise. I am not quite sure exactly how the movement sensors work and adding weight might throw it off more. It is literally just getting used to the system...and I am willing to bet that 3rd party accessories will be weighted differently, and that nerf controller would definately be heavier.
KnowsNothing: I was worried about lag in the games. For example, baseball games are hard to play because you have to mentally determine the virtual space the ball is at and swing accordingly...and it can be difficult. I wish I had a chance to play Baseball to comment on how that felt. Tennis I didn't have any problems. Honestly, there may be lag, but your movements are usually quick enough that you don't miss the ball. In fact, I only missed once when I played the game. I think your brain processes the timing quickly, because you have the Wii player on the court and can visually see where the ball and player are. It also doesn't hurt that in Tennis you began to swing before the ball gets to you, to get a good square hit on the ball. Overall all the system is very forgiving and I do not think lag is even an issue in the game...except for those that are searching for a problem.
Now, Lag was a huge problem in Boxing. You finished your movements before the computer finished his. This has several reasons. Punching is a much quicker action, that also involves stringing combos and hits together. If you are moving faster than the computer you have to literally slow down your entire process to allow the game to catch up. It was one of the major issues that made Boxing difficult to play.
I would say it really depends on how each designer programs the games and situations. I think with the Wii you need to have more forgiving controls so that everything feels right. Except for Boxing I never thought any game controlled too loose and was unresponsive. However, Excite Truck was too responsive and didn't have any forgivness factored in.
Post by: Ceric on October 21, 2006, 09:33:12 AM
The Wii thy Holy Console.
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 21, 2006, 09:38:32 AM
That will be my new church Slogan.
Post by: trip1eX on October 21, 2006, 10:04:44 AM
I remember when I first used mouse/keyboard for a game and it felt way too spastic even tho it was intuitively easy to figure out. It took awhile to get good at it.
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 21, 2006, 10:34:41 AM
Its funny, everyone here knows that I am very supportive of Nintendo and slightly a fanboy even.
But it was funny reading comments like go buy a PS3 and such.
I know my writing wasn't perfect. I wrote it at 11:30pm after being at work and the event all day I was tired. Still writing isn't a strong skill of mine, so those complaints were valid.
Post by: Ceric on October 21, 2006, 12:41:07 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 21, 2006, 12:51:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Spak-Spang
VGrevolution: By the way thanks for posting support for me.
Its funny, everyone here knows that I am very supportive of Nintendo and slightly a fanboy even.
But it was funny reading comments like go buy a PS3 and such.
I know my writing wasn't perfect. I wrote it at 11:30pm after being at work and the event all day I was tired. Still writing isn't a strong skill of mine, so those complaints were valid.
Oh I know it wasn't perfect but some of those people were acting quite immature over there mainly responding to your complaints instead of reading the whole thing!
Post by: MegaByte on October 30, 2006, 03:59:31 AM
Quote
- The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on. The console doesn’t have the blue light on.
By the way, the blue light was on when loading a disc into the slot, and then went off afterwards.
